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New childcare positions coming

Chatham-Kent could soon be hiring for up to 12 full-time childcare positions, which will be fully funded by the province.

A staff report on the matter will come before council on Monday night.

In February of 2016, the government announced a plan to integrate and transform all existing child and family programs.

The past March, it was determined that the municipality would directly deliver Ontario Early Years Child and Family Programs in Chatham-Kent.

The municipality will receive provincial funds in the amount of $1.3 million annually to support the full cost of operations and management of Ontario Early Years Child and Family Centres in Chatham-Kent.

“The leadership and service system management role of the municipality requires additional staff resources to sustain the significant amount of work that has been and will continue to be generated by the government’s continuous investment in early years and child care,” the staff report stated.

The province has also announced another $120 million for the purpose of creating access to licensed childcare for children who are up to and including four years of age.

Of this amount, Chatham-Kent has been allocated just over $900,000 for this year, with the expectation of further funding in future years.

Of the 12 positions recommended, five would be administrative positions, the report stated.

These positions will work with families, Ontario Early Years Child and Family Centres, and childcare operators to ensure program service delivery.

The municipality will also receive federal funding of just over $565,000 this year.

This funding is provided to invest in early learning and child care to increase quality, accessibility, affordability, flexibility and inclusiveness.